Not Your Typical Luxury Surf Camp in Portugal
Words by Adam Simpson | 7th July ‘25
“Luxury” is a slippery word. It conjures up images of white robes, infinity pools, and someone slicing mango just for you. Which is fine. We’re into mango. But at Soul & Surf Portugal, we think luxury surf camp should mean something a little different.
Surfers checking the local surf spot in the Algarve
Because the real luxury?
Waking up with purpose, feeling salt in your eyelashes, sharing waves with good people. Getting quietly wrecked by the ocean, and then deeply restored by a long exhale in the yoga shala.
Portugal is packed with surf camps. From budget party hostels to sleek wellness hotels. Somewhere in the middle is where you’ll find us, perched just outside Lagos, in a restored Portuguese farmhouse (a quinta, if you're feeling fancy) with just the right amount of rustic charm and creature comfort.
We’re not trying to be a five-star resort. But that doesn’t mean we don’t care about comfort. It means we care about more than comfort.
Yes, we’ve got beautiful rooms. Yes, there’s a pool. Yes, there’s good coffee (praise be).
But what really makes us a luxury surf retreat?
It’s the people, the surf coaching, the yoga that actually works, the food that nourishes, the experiences that stay with you. We wrote a bit more about that balance in this journal entry, if you're curious.
Small group surf coaching at uncrowded beach in Portugal
Our surf programme is run by seasoned, thoughtful, qualified coaches. We keep the group sizes small. We tailor your coaching. We actually care if you get better, or at least if you have a really good time trying.
You won’t find instructors shouting “paddle paddle paddle” while taking selfies on the beach. You will find us in the water with you, helping you read the ocean, build confidence, and connect with your practice, whatever stage you’re at.
We surf mostly uncrowded beaches, off the beaten tourist track, along Portugal’s wild west coast. We go early, we chase tides, we sometimes hike into spots. But we’ll always bring snacks.
Yoga here isn’t a token add-on. It’s part of the fabric of the week. Our Portugal yoga programme is designed to complement surfing, but also to stand alone as a practice that helps you feel more grounded, more present, more human.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just yoga-curious, you’ll be looked after. Expect breathwork, strength, flow, stillness, philosophy and rest. All woven together with care by our experienced team.
We don’t just do yoga. We do Soul, and you can read more about that here.
Our food is another part of the experience that people quietly rave about. It’s plant-based, seasonal, nourishing, and it’s served family-style, so the table becomes a place of connection.
This is the kind of food that makes you feel good. Not in a smug wellness way. In a wow, I didn’t know lentils could taste like this kind of way.
We also take dietary needs seriously, and we’re not afraid to get inventive. Our chefs are brilliant. Come hungry.
If your idea of a luxury surf camp in Portugal is high-thread-count sheets and cold towels at reception, we might not be your vibe.
But if it’s deep rest, meaningful surf coaching, unforgettable food, yoga that meets you where you are, and space to just... be, then yes. We’re a luxury surf retreat. Just not the kind you might expect.
Yoga class at the Soul & Surf Portugal shala
If this kind of luxury speaks to you, we’d love to welcome you to our little corner of Portugal. Book your Soul & Surf Portugal retreat here, and start planning your surf, yoga and soul-filled escape.
And If You're Curious About Kerala or Sri Lanka…
Our Kerala and our Sri Lanka retreats offers a different kind of luxury, tropical, lush, and full of soul. If you're dreaming of warm water, tea plantations and peaky little rights, you might want to read this journal next → Sri Lanka Journal.
